Carpenter ants are a common problem for homeowners, especially those who live in wooded areas. If you don’t get rid of them, these ants can do a lot of damage to your home. But finding an infestation early can prevent it from doing a lot of damage.
What are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are giant ants between 14 and 1/2 inches long. They are primarily black or red or a mix of the two. Carpenter ants make their nests in damp and rotting wood. They don’t eat the wood; instead, they chew it to make tunnels and galleries where they can nest.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
A Carpenter ant infestation may leave behind a few telltale signs. Some signs are easy to spot, while others may require some digging.
1- Sawdust
Sawdust is one of the most apparent signs of carpenter ants infestation in your home. Carpenter ants chew through wood and make tunnels and galleries. As they do, they push sawdust out of the holes they make. You might see piles of sawdust near baseboards, window sills, or other places with wood.
2- Rustling Sounds
If you hear rustling sounds coming from your walls or ceiling, it is possible that carpenter ants are living there. Carpenter ants are usually active at night and make noise as they move through their tunnels and galleries.
3- Flying or Live Ants
Seeing live ants in your home indicates a carpenter ants infestation. Most carpenter ants swarms happen in the spring, between March and April. During this time, you might see flying ants near your house. The males and females of these winged ants are looking to mate and start new colonies.
4- Damaged Wood
Carpenter ants can cause a lot of damage to your home’s wooden parts. If you see damage like hollow or sagging wood, be active because carpenter ants may be infesting there.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants Infestation?
- Take away any wood and trash from around the outside of your house.
- Seal cracks and holes in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
- Save firewood at least 20 feet away from your house and 5 inches off the ground.
- Trim trees and bushes, so they don’t touch your home.
- Keep your house tidy and free of food crumbs and standing water.
- Fix any leaky pipes or faucets in and around your house.
- Repair any damaged wood right away
- Use insecticides that are labeled for carpenter ants
- Hire a pest control professional to do regular checks and treatments.
QAPC Is On Service To Save Your Place From Carpenter Ants
Finding an infestation early can help keep it from doing a lot of damage. However, if you see any signs of an infestation of carpenter ants, don’t wait for it to spread. Quality Affordable Pest Control can help you eliminate Carpenter Ants. Our professionals are trained to apply relevant and effective chemicals to eradicate the infestation from roots. Contact us for environmentally friendly pest control services. Call us at 647-502-3950 to get a free quote immediately.
